Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises is a British cruise line operated by TUI UK, offering cruise holidays around Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. The name ‘Marella’ means ‘shining sea’ in Celtic, reflecting the company’s spirit of exploration and discovery across the seas. Marella Cruises offers affordable, all-inclusive voyages, combining TUI’s vast experience in holidays with warm, friendly cruising expertise.
The company initially entered the cruise market in 1973 but ceased operations in 1976 due to rising fuel costs. In 1995, Thomson restarted their cruise line after their competitor Airtours had made a successful entry into the cruise business. In October 2017, TUI Group announced that Thomson Cruises would be rebranded as Marella Cruises, with the existing fleet adopting the new name. The rebranding aimed to establish the Marella brand in the UK and Ireland cruise market. As of March 2025, Marella Cruises operates a fleet that includes Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, and Marella Voyager.
Types of cruises offered by Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises offers a wide range of cruise types designed to suit all kinds of holidaymakers, from first-timers to seasoned travellers. Their itineraries span Europe, the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, and parts of Asia, often sailing from convenient regional airports across the UK. All of their cruises are all-inclusive as standard - so drinks, tips, and flights are rolled in — which makes budgeting easier for British travellers.
Mediterranean Cruises – Popular routes visiting Spain, Italy, Greece, and the French Riviera. Great for culture lovers and sunshine seekers.
Caribbean Cruises – Departing from Barbados or Jamaica, these cruises explore classic islands like St Lucia, Antigua, and Aruba.
Canary Islands Cruises – Year-round sunshine with ports like Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Madeira - perfect for winter getaways.
Asia Cruises – Exotic itineraries taking in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, offering a mix of beaches, temples, and street food.
Northern Europe & Baltic Cruises – Think fjords, fairytales, and Viking vibes, with ports in Norway, Denmark, Estonia and more.
Transatlantic Cruises – Ideal for those who enjoy long days at sea, often repositioning between Europe and the Caribbean.
Mini Cruises & Short Breaks – Shorter sailings, usually in Europe, for a taster of cruise life or a cheeky long weekend away.
They also offer themed sailings and adult-only options aboard Marella Explorer 2. Whether you’re after sun-soaked beaches, cultural city stops, or a relaxing journey full of sea days, Marella Cruises covers it.
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